Navigating Victoria’s New Rental Laws: What Renters and Rental Providers Need to Know
For many Victorians, understanding rental rules can be confusing, especially with recent changes to the law. The Victorian Government has introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency, fairness, and security for renters. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Changes in Rental Laws
Some of the most important changes renters and rental providers should be aware of include:
Stronger protections against rent increases
Rent can now only be increased once every 12 months, giving renters greater financial certainty.
More control over pets
Renters have a clearer right to request permission to keep pets. Rental providers cannot unreasonably refuse these requests, providing more flexibility for households with furry family members.
Limits on eviction notices
Notice periods for ending a tenancy have been extended in certain circumstances. For example, notice at the end of a fixed-term lease has increased from 60 days to 90 days, giving renters more time to plan their next move. Rental providers must also provide valid reasons for issuing a notice, which are now clearly outlined in legislation.
Improved maintenance obligations and minimum standards
Rental providers must address urgent repairs promptly. The new minimum standards require rental properties to:
Be structurally sound and weatherproof
Include working locks on doors and windows
Have safe electrical, gas, and plumbing systems
Maintain functioning smoke alarms
Provide adequate heating and ventilation
These standards aim to ensure homes remain safe, livable, and healthy for tenants.
Transparency for applications
Standardised rental application forms make the process fairer, reduce confusion, and provide a clear framework for both renters and rental providers.
What This Means for Renters
For anyone renting in Victoria, these changes bring tangible benefits:
Greater security and predictability: Clearer rules around rent increases and notice periods help tenants plan ahead.
Fairer pet arrangements: Renters can negotiate pet permissions without fear of arbitrary refusal.
Faster repairs and safer homes: Rental providers are legally required to fix urgent issues quickly, and minimum standards ensure basic safety and comfort are met.
Clearer applications: Standardised forms reduce misunderstandings and provide transparency throughout the rental process.
In short, these reforms are designed to create a more balanced rental market, one where renters’ rights are respected and expectations are clear for everyone.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The new rental laws are a positive step toward fairness, transparency, and security for renters across Victoria. By understanding your rights and knowing what to expect from rental providers, you can approach your next tenancy with clarity and confidence.
Whether it’s negotiating rent, requesting repairs, or simply knowing your options, being informed is your strongest advantage. These reforms give you the tools to make renting smoother, more predictable, and ultimately more empowering.